Naval ROTC unit to take part in Cooper River Bridge Run

Approximately 15 active duty enlisted sailors and cadets in the Navy contingent of The Citadel’s NROTC unit will take part in this weekend’s Cooper River Bridge Run to raise awareness and money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

The Navy contingent will run in blue and gold Citadel Navy shirts alongside community athletes who are also running. The Marine contingent will be on field training exercise this weekend so the Navy contingent will put on their running shoes instead.

“This run is inspiring and important to our unit,” said Marine Capt. Shawn Rickrode, Junior Marine Officer instructor at The Citadel. “Marine Capt. Matthew Kutilek, Citadel Class of 2001 and former NROTC instructor at The Citadel, was wounded this month in Afghanistan and he and his family are being help by the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.”

Kutilek was the Junior Marine Officer instructor from 2005 to 2008. He deployed to Afghanistan in September 2009. He is being treated and is recovering at Bethesda Navy Hospital in Maryland.